Why has this happened now?

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in response to political setbacks, citing national security and North Korea as reasons, but facing opposition protests and a parliamentary vote blocking the measure as illegal. Yoon’s declaration of martial law marks the first time in nearly 50 years in South Korea, triggering a deployment of troops and police to parliament, and sparking concerns about civil rights and rule of law standards under military authority. Yoon’s move comes amid a decline in voter standing and corruption scandals, with the opposition proposing budget cuts and impeachment of cabinet members, leading to heightened political tensions and protests outside parliament.

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